Looking for a rundown of EA’s E3 announcements? You’ve come to the right place. EA kicked off the E3 2018 festivities with their EA Play press conference.

EA Play(ed) us by using the E3 hype

Instead of making splashes, EA played it relatively safe, and didn’t delve too deep beyond the first quarter of 2019. The spotlight was placed on Anthem from the moment EA Play started, and EA made it clear that Bioware is going at Destiny’s throat with this one.

EA Play had a couple of surprises, but nothing that got us jumping out of our seats. EA announced that Respawn Entertainment (creators of Titanfall) is working on a new Star Wars title set to launch next year. A new EA original called Sea of Solitude was revealed, and it’s an indie that should be on the everybody’s radar. Lastly, EA revealed and released Unravel 2 on the same day. That’s a trend that all publishers should follow!

Anthem

After a year of waiting, EA has finally released more information on Anthem at EA Play! I’m gonna break it down into categories so it’s easier to keep track of. First we’ll start with the story, then move into what the Javelins are all about, the mechanics, and hopeful ideas on what the future of Anthem might hold!

A large fortified city named Fort Tarsis holds the majority of human kind. However, living cooped up in a crowded place got them pretty anxious, so they decided to venture outside. Those sequence of events created the lawmakers that protect the Fort and explore the outside world — they are called the Freelancers.

Freelancers are allowed to travel the world in Iron Man-like style suits called Javelins. In the E3 demo, we got more of an in-depth look into the story, showing the possible antagonists, and why there are huge relics of metal in a vast ocean of jungle. The relics are called the Anthem of Creation, which are tools left by the gods of this world. The gods are called ‘Shapers’.

Four is better than one

Anthem features four Javelins; Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm. The Ranger is the bread and butter class of Anthem, it features speed and power. The Colossus is a heavy tank capable of strong artillery, but moves the slowest. The Interceptor is the agility Javelin; specializing in close-quarters, and uses their speedy nature to get in and out of battle without taking heavy damage. The Storm is similar to a flying version of the Warlock from Destiny, capable of many powers and lethal with SMG weaponry. Players will be able to change their abilities based on the gear equipped to the Javelin. You’ll be able to collect and craft gear.

Anthem is a third-person shooter with remnants of Mass Effect: Andromeda’s design choices. Despite the wrongdoings of Andromeda, Bioware did a fantastic job with its combat, and Anthem is following suit. However, with more weapons, and the Javelins having a direct influence in combat, it’ll definitely one-up Andromeda. The Ranger is seen stopping in mid-air to launch a volley of rockets during the Ash Titan boss fight, confirming that both air and ground combat will be included.

There’s a few things I’d like to see from Anthem when it releases on February 22, 2019. For one, I’d like EA to keep the open-world, free-roam flying instead of being locked into a linear flight path. I’m hoping for a large open world with many possible missions and raids. Finally, having more Javelins in the future would give Anthem an even more diverse look. Of course, at launch, four Javelins are perfect for introducing players to Bioware’s new IP, releasing on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Battlefield 5

The EA Play press conference began with DICE announcing the much anticipated ‘Battle Royale’ mode for Battlefield 5. It seems this multiplayer experience will be introduced after launch. Details will be revealed later this year. In addition, Battlefield 5 will not have loot boxes or a premium pass.

Shortly after, DICE showcased a sample of Battlefield 5’s single player campaign, stating players will witness emotional untold war stories. Towards the end, a teaser of Nordlys War Story was shown. Tune in on Sunday, June 10th at 1pm/4pm PST/EST for Microsoft’s E3 press conference for a full reveal on Battlefield 5’s single player.

People who pre-order Battlefield 5 will obtain the Paratrooper gear, Special Assignments, immediate access to five Battlefield 1 weapons, and early access to the beta. Those who pre-order the deluxe edition of Battlefield 5 will be able to pick up the game three days early, get five sets of Paratrooper gear, and 20 weekly items with Airlift.

Battlefield 5 releases on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on October 19, 2019 (October 16 for deluxe edition owners).

Command & Conquer: Rivals

Made by Redwood Studios and Electronic Arts, Command & Conquer: Rivals was revealed at EA Play, and was met with instant backlash. Fans of the C&C series weren’t expecting it to be revived as a mobile game. Command & Conquer: Rivals can be compared to Clash Royale and Titanfall Assault. Having a one vs one battle, players send out units to gather resources which are used to take points and destroy the enemy’s fortress. You can sign up and register for the game at this website here.

Origin Access Premier

EA announced Origin Access Premier, a PC subscription service that will give users full access to their new games before release date. Madden NFL 19, FIFA 19, Battlefield V, and Anthem will be some of the games that will headline the service. Additionally, users will gain access to The Vault, a library of over 100 games from EA and other publishers. Origin Access Premier will cost $15 a month or $100 for the full year and will be made available later on this summer.

FIFA 19

Another year, another FIFA. One of the most requested features is making its way into FIFA 19. EA announced that FIFA 19 will feature the UEFA Champions League, and some additions of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. Fans can take advantage of the UEFA Champions League integration by participating in the all new tournament mode. Experience the gut-wrenching journey from the group stage to the final, or casually play a custom version of the tournament with any club of your choice.

Fans of FIFA’s story driven campaign can rest easy. Alex Hunter is back in The Journey: Champions, the “dramatic finale” to the young footballer’s story. Players will help Alex chase the UEFA Champions League trophy this time around.

Players will be able spend tons of cash with the return of Ultimate Team to FIFA 19. Build your dream squad from authentic content, now including the UEFA Champions and Europa League.

FIFA 19 will be hitting the field on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC on September 28, 2018.

Madden NFL 19

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EA released a new trailer for Madden NFL 19 showcasing Real Player Motion technology in action. This new tech allows EA to make in-game animations look realistic. If the actual game looks like it does in the trailer, football fanatics will be delighted.

Madden is coming back to PC for the first time since 2007. However, this year’s installment will not be making its way to the Nintendo Switch. A weird decision, considering that FIFA 19 will be releasing on Nintendo’s hybrid system. Madden NFL 19 will have a standard and Hall of Fame edition. Terrell Owens will be gracing the cover of the Hall of Fame edition. EA hasn’t revealed the lucky player that will be featured on the cover of the standard edition.

Fans who purchase the Hall of Fame edition will get access to the game three day early, on August 7. Madden NFL 19 hits the gridiron on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on August 10.

NBA Live 19

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Settle in. It’s time to ball, ya’ll. EA isn’t letting 2K run with the crown that easily. NBA Live is back this year with new features and animations. Start your journey as THE ONE, and forge your path through high school and into the promised land of pro basketball. This year’s installment will have players traveling the globe to challenge and build a squad of the world’s greatest players.

EA Tiburon is introducing Real Player Motion technology in NBA Live 19. RPM adds “thousands of new animations and smoother gameplay than ever before.”

NBA Live 19 is set to release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 7, 2018.

Sea of Solitude

“Sea of Solitude is by far the most artistic and personal project I’ve ever created. At times it is very challenging to dig that deep into your own feelings like core fears, longing and anger, but at the same time it is the most fulfilling thing to express those very feelings by putting it to people through art.” said by Sea of Solitude’s writer and creative directer Cornelia Geppert.

Drawn beautiful, and slightly haunting, Sea of Solitude shows the story of Kay, living through the dangers of a seemingly post-apocalyptic water filled world. However, from the trailer’s tone and overview, Kay’s dangerous journey isn’t just with the world, but within herself as well. Cornelia mentioned that she wanted the players to really delve into the darkness and sadness of the human mind, a place that many find themselves inside. Until this game comes out, we’ll be readily anticipating what kind of darkness Kay will be experiencing in her travels.

Star Wars Battlefront II: Clone Wars

EA declares it will overhaul Star Wars Battlefront 2’s progression system, and add character cosmetics for players to collect. Additionally, a new ‘Hunt’ mode inspired by original Star Wars Battlefront games will be added featuring the Ewoks from Endor.

Later this fall, Star Wars Battlefront 2 will receive a Clone Wars season update which will include multiple levels on Geonosis, and add multiple playable characters such as General Grievous, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Count Dooku, and Anakin Skywalker.

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order

Rising up from their success of Titanfall 2, Respawn Entertainment announced their new game in junction with Star Wars at EA Play. ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ takes place shortly after Revenge of the Sith. From Twitter, Respawn CEO Vince Zampella said that the game would be a single player experience following a dark gritty storyline.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order puts you in the place of a Jedi Padawan right after the events of Order 66, which is without a doubt the worst time for a fresh apprentice to roam the universe. All of your fellow students and masters have died. It’s expected to be released for Holidays 2019.

Unravel 2

Available for download right now, Unravel Two continues the story of the first Unravel. In this one, Yarny is cut off from his spark, and torn from everything he loves. However, when all is lost there is always hope. In Unravel Two, hope comes in the form of another Blue Yarney who shares his spark with you, and starts the adventure. Together the two Yarnys embark, and team up together on a unforgettable and cute story. Team up with a loved one for some co-op fun.

Once a proud owner of a (now dead) semi-popular YouTube channel called GamersLeak, Ignacio (aka. Tazz) has set out on a journey to assemble the seven dragon balls to wish it back. Little did he know that it would come back with a different name! Tazz is back and he’s bringing the hot takes to our Lobby; did we mention that he’s little more ambitious now?